944 S3 – 1993 and 1994 Porsche 968s

Another week, another set of watercooled, front engined, 4-cylinder, non-turbo Porsche coupes. This time, though, it’s the cream of the crop; the highly regarded 968 Coupe. While recently I’ve covered several944 S and S2s, the 968 remains pretty firmly the most desirable of the non-turbo models by most enthusiasts. For good reason, too – it’s a good looking, relatively cheap to maintain Porsche that’s a great driver and combines the awesome look of the 928 and 944 turbo into one package. What’s not to like? Well, in some cases, the pricetag; we’ve featured a few lower mile examples and the asking prices seem to be quite high. The first example is a good illustration of this:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1994 Porsche 968 on Craigslist

Year: 1994
Model: 968
Engine: 3.0 liter inline-4
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 30,503 mi
Price: $41,499

This extremely clean Porsche 968 in an ever popular Porsche Red with Black interior. The 968 took place of the 944. With just over 30,000 miles this car is very rare for the miles and condition.

The 968 has nonetheless carved out its own niche in the hearts of enthusiasts. This is likely due to the 968’s unique combination of speed and practicality, and low production numbers.

The 968 has more power, more refinement, distinctive looks, and a cachet that’s rooted in its rarity. Fewer than 4,500 were built for the U.S. market before production ended in 1995, divided nearly evenly between Coupes and Cabriolets. They were hugely expensive when new–the car sold for more than $60,000 in 1992, the equivalent of $100,000 in today’s dollars

Specifications:

ENGINE
Type: DOHC inline-four, aluminum block and 16-valve cylinder head, dual balance shafts, 2,990cc (182.5-cu.in.)
Bore x stroke: 104 x 88mmCompression ratio: 11.0:1
Horsepower @ RPM: 240 @ 6,200
Torque @ RPM: 225-lbs.ft. @ 4,100
Induction system: Bosch Motronic DME multipoint fuel injection

TRANSAXLE
Type: Six-speed manual

STEERING
Type: Rack-and-pinion, power assist

BRAKES
Type: Four-wheel ventilated disc, ABS, power assist
Front: 11.7 inches
Rear: 11.8 inches

WEIGHTS & MEASURES
Wheelbase: 94.5 inches
Overall length: 170.1 inches
Overall width: 68.3 inches
Overall height: 50.2 inches
Curb weight: 3,020 pounds

PERFORMANCE
0-60 MPH: 5.6 seconds
1/4 mile: 14.2 seconds @ 98 MPH
Top speed: 153 MPH
(Figures are for a six-speed Coupe)
Source: Car and Driver, March 1992

$41,499.00

630-659-5965
John

Okay, 30,500 miles is quite low for pretty much any 20 year old car, with the exception of some exotics. But $41,500? That just seems well out of line with the market for what is a more or less lower spec 968. Yes, it has the manual and it’s proper Guards Red, but I just can’t get over the unreasonable asking price for this car. I’d expect that price on a Club Sport, and it would be a bargain for a 968 Turbo, but I’d save my money and buy one with more miles, such as this awesome Amazon Green example:

I love the colors that these 968s were available in; this one is no exception. It’s pretty and understated, and the green color is fairly dynamic while complimenting the shape and design of the 968 well. That’s further accented by some great Cup 17″ wheels that look awesome, if a bit chunky compared to the more normally spec’d 993 Cup wheels – a touch more rounded to suit the shape of the 968. Despite that, this car just screams “come buy me!”

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1993 Porsche 968 on Craigslist

Year: 1993
Model: 968
Engine: 3.0 liter inline-4
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 89,500 mi
Price: $13,500

1993 Porsche 968 Coupe

miles: 89500

3.0L i-4 (Regular gas) 236 horsepower
6-speed manual

**We gladly purchased this Porsche 968 because we know it’s a special car, it has low miles and in good condition, we purchased it also in “AS-IS” condition and we are selling it in “AS-IS” condition, NO service history available. **Carfax is clean, no accident History.

Features/Options:

*Lighting/visibility:

^Headlight washer
^Front fog lights
^Rear window wiper
^Rear window defroster
^Tachometer
^Voltmeter
^Trip odometer
^Oil pressure gauge
^Water temp gauge

*Safety:
^ABS brakes
^4 wheel disc brakes
^Dual front impact airbags
^Power door locks
^Security system

*Convenience Feature

^Air conditioning
^Automatic temperature control
^Power sunroof
^Glass sunroof
^Sliding and tilting sunroof
^Cruise control
^Power windows
^Integrated key/remote
^Driver vanity mirror
^Passenger vanity mirror

*CD player (aftermarket)4 speakers

FOR MORE INFO: EMAIL OR CALL/TEXT 510-952-7576 ASK FOR ZIA OR OLGA

**SPANISH SPEAKERS ASK FOR OLGA**

At less than a third the asking price, I don’t mind the two and a half times more miles on this model. For me, it’s a no brainer; the Amazon Green car is the one to have, and represents overall a much better deal even compared to some of the S2s I’ve looked at recently.

-Carter